Sharp implement throwing target

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for receiving thrown sharp implements. The apparatus comprises a plurality of modular target blocks arranged in an array. The apparatus further comprises a compression device configured to retain together the plurality of modular target blocks in the array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/790,260, filed Jan. 9, 2019, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/809,449, filed Feb. 22, 2019, both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to targets, and more particularly totargets for receiving sharp implements thrown at the targets.

BACKGROUND

Throwing sharp implements, such as axes, hatchets, knives, etc., attargets, as a hobby or activity, has recently become popular. However,many of the targets used for receiving sharp implements lack durability.For example, as sharp implements penetrate the targets, the targetbecome worn with each target lasting a relatively short amount of timebefore requiring a complete replacement. Conventional targets can beexpensive and labor intensive to replace. Accordingly, frequentreplacement of targets can be costly and burdensome. Moreover, for manyconventional targets, consistent penetration of sharp implements can bedifficult.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the shortcomings of sharp implement throwing targets. Accordingly,the subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed toprovide a sharp implement throwing target and methods of using,manufacturing, or replacing such targets that overcome some or all ofthe shortcomings in the prior art.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may notbe claimed, of the subject matter, disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for receiving thrown sharp implements.The apparatus comprises a plurality of modular target blocks arranged inan array. The apparatus additionally comprises a compression deviceconfigured to retain together the plurality of modular target blocks inthe array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 1 of the present disclosure.

The array of modular target blocks is at least a four-block byfour-block array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above.

The modular target blocks are made from green wood. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter accordingto any one of examples 1-2, above.

The compression device comprises at least one engagement piece thatdistributes a compressive load from the compression device acrossmultiple modular target blocks. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 1-3, above.

The at least one engagement piece uniformly distributes the compressiveload from the compression device across the multiple modular targetblocks. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes thesubject matter according to example 4, above.

The compression device further comprises a plurality of engagementpieces. Each one of the plurality of engagement pieces distributes acompressive load from the compression device across a different set ofmultiple sets of multiple modular target blocks. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter accordingto any one of examples 4-5, above.

The compression device comprises a strap that extends circumferentiallyabout an outer periphery of the array of modular target blocks andapplies a radially inwardly directed force to the modular target blocksof the array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-6,above.

The compression device comprises a plurality of fasteners in engagementwith the array and adjustable to adjust a compressive force applied tothe array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes thesubject matter according to any one of examples 1-6, above.

The apparatus further comprises a frame positioned about and spacedapart from the array, wherein the plurality of fasteners extend at leastpartially through the frame into engagement with the array. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 8, above.

The array defines a target area comprising a target surface of each oneof the plurality of modular target blocks of the array. Each one of theplurality of modular target blocks comprises multiple target surfaces.Each one of the plurality of modular target blocks is reversiblyarrangeable in the array such that any one of the multiple targetsurfaces of each one of the plurality of modular target blocks defines aportion of the target area of the array. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure,wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 1-9, above.

Each one of the plurality of modular target blocks is individuallyrotatable relative to another one of the plurality of modular targetblocks to select any one of the multiple target surfaces of the modulartarget blocks to define the portion of the target area of the array. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 10, above.

Each one of the plurality of modular target blocks of the array isindividually removable from the array relative to another one of theplurality of modular target blocks. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 12 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 1-11, above.

Each one of the plurality of modular target blocks comprises along-grain surface. The long-grain surface of each one of the pluralityof modular target blocks defines a portion of a target area of thearray. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 1-12, above.

Each one of the plurality of modular target blocks comprises fourlong-grain surfaces. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14also includes the subject matter according to example 13, above.

Further disclosed herein is an apparatus for receiving thrown sharpimplements. The apparatus comprises a frame with an open front, abacking, and movable tabs at the open front. The apparatus alsocomprises a plurality of groups of modular target blocks removablycoupled to the frame and removably retained within the frame by thebacking and the movable tabs. Each one of the modular target blocks ofany one of the plurality of groups of modular target blocks is fixedlycoupled to at least one other modular target block of the one group. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 ofthe present disclosure.

The modular target blocks are made from green wood. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 15, above.

Each one of the plurality of groups of modular target blocks isindividually removable from the frame relative to any other one of theplurality of groups of modular target blocks. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 15-16, above.

The plurality of groups of modular target blocks collectively define atarget area comprising a target surface of each one of the modulartarget blocks of the plurality of groups. Each one of the plurality ofmodular target blocks comprises multiple target surfaces. Each one ofthe groups of modular target blocks is reversibly arrangeable in theframe such that any one of the multiple target surfaces of each one ofthe plurality of modular target blocks defines a portion of the targetarea of the array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 15-17,above.

Additionally disclosed herein is a method of making an apparatus forreceiving thrown sharp implements. The method comprises arranging aplurality of modular target blocks into an array and compressingtogether the plurality of modular target blocks of the array. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 ofthe present disclosure.

The method further comprises uncompressing the plurality of modulartarget blocks of the array. The method also comprises removing at leastone of less than all of the modular target blocks from the array. Themethod additionally comprises at least one of (1) rotating the at leastone of the modular target blocks removed from the array to and arrangingthe rotated at least one of the modular target blocks back into thearray to form a rearranged array, or (2) replacing the at least one ofthe modular target blocks removed from the array with at least one newmodular target block to form the rearranged array. The method alsocomprises compressing together the plurality of modular target blocks ofthe rearranged array. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20also includes the subject matter according to example 19, above.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristicsof the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more examples, embodiments, and/orimplementations. In the following description, numerous specific detailsare provided to impart a thorough understanding of examples orembodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilledin the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of thepresent disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specificfeatures, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particularexample or implementation. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain examples, embodiments, and/orimplementations that may not be present in all examples, embodiments, orimplementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures,materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Thefeatures and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosurewill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matteras set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description ofthe subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limitingof its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implements,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a throwing target for sharp implements,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a row of blocks, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a row of blocks, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implementswith a sharp implement embedded into the target, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implementswith a group removed and flipped over to show a backside target surface,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implements,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a throwing target for sharp implements,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side of a throwing target for sharpimplements, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another side of a throwing target forsharp implements, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implements,in a partially disassembled state with blocks removed, according to oneor more embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a compression device and a ratchetingdevice, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a close-up perspective view of a throwing target for sharpimplements, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implements,in a partially disassembled state, with a block removed, according toone or more embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a throwing target for sharp implements,in a partially disassembled state, with blocks partially removed,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a throwing target for sharp implements,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a close-up perspective view of a throwing target for sharpimplements, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective view of a throwing target for sharpimplements including a compression device, according to one or moreembodiments; and

FIG. 20 is a front view of a compression device, according to one ormore embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosureshould be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather,language referring to the features and advantages is understood to meanthat a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described inconnection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe subject matter of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of thefeatures and advantages, and similar language, throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Similarly, reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “inan embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may,but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, theuse of the term “implementation” means an implementation having aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith one or more embodiments of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicateotherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or moreembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an apparatus 100 is shown.The apparatus 100 functions as a throwing target for sharp implements.Sharp implements may include, but are not limited to, hatchets, axes,tomahawks, knives, etc. Although the apparatus 100 is shown anddescribed with certain components and functionality, other embodimentsof the apparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implementless or more functionality.

The apparatus 100 includes modular pieces that are movable to differentareas of the apparatus or replaceable by new modular pieces. As targetsare used, wear is not distributed evenly on the target surface. As mightbe expected over the course of use, the center of a target area 101(e.g., around a target indicium 103 or graphic) will likely be hit orstruck more often than the peripheral portions of the target area 101.As such, a target that requires the entire target surface to be replacedwhen only a portion of the target area has been worn down isinefficient.

According to several embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes modulartarget blocks 135 that can be removed, replaced, rotated, and orotherwise cycled through the apparatus 100 to provide an efficient sharpimplement throwing target. The modular target blocks 135 each have atleast one target surface 137 (see FIG. 4) that, together with the targetsurfaces 137 of the other target blocks 135, define the target area 101of the apparatus 100. The target surfaces 137 are planar. Accordingly,the target area 101, which is an aggregated target surface formed fromthe combined target surfaces of the target blocks 135, also is planar.

In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 are individuallyremovable and replaceable within the apparatus 100. That is, asindividual modular target blocks 135 are worn down or cut by the sharpimplements, the modular target blocks 135 can be removed and placed inareas of the target that are likely to be struck less, such as aperipheral location on the target, to create a rearranged target orapparatus. For example, the modular target blocks 135 at the center ofthe target area 101 can be swapped out with the modular target blocks135 at the periphery of the target area 101. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the modular target blocks at the center of the target area101 may be replaced by new modular target blocks 135.

In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 are individuallyrotatable or flippable (e.g., reversible). That is, as individualmodular target blocks 135 are worn down or cut by the sharp implements,a modular target block 135 can be rotated or flipped to allow foranother surface of the modular target block 135 to be exposed as atarget surface. For example, a modular target block 135 may include twotarget surfaces, a front target surface and a back target surface. Afterthe front target surface has been worn down, the modular target block135 may be removed and flipped to expose the back target surface of themodular target block 135.

In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 are configured to beremovable in groups 130. A group may include a row of intercoupledmodular target blocks 135, a column of intercoupled modular targetblocks 135, or an array of intercoupled modular target blocks 135.Referring to FIG. 1 as an example, the central row of modular targetblocks 135 forms a group 130 of intercoupled modular targets and may beremovable and replaceable by another group 130 of intercoupled modulartargets. Similarly, a top row or group 130 of intercoupled modulartarget blocks 135 may be swapped with the central row or group 130 ofintercoupled modular target blocks 135. The modular target blocks 135may be non-removably fixedly coupled together, such as via fasteners,adhesives, and the like, to form the group 130. In FIG. 1, the modulartarget blocks 135 are non-removably coupled together in rows. There arethree groups 130 of modular target blocks 135. As mentioned above, themodular target blocks 135 may be coupled together in columns or inarrays in other embodiments. The apparatus 100 may include more or lessgroups 130 than the three groups 130 shown.

In some embodiments, the blocks 135 are configured to be rotatable orflippable in groups 130. That is, a group 130 of modular target blocks135 may be rotatable or flippable to expose a different surface of thegroup 130. For example, the group 130 of modular target blocks 135 mayinclude two target surfaces, a front target surface and a back targetsurface. After the front target surface has been worn down, the group130 of modular target blocks 135 may be removed and flipped to exposethe back target surface of the group 130.

The apparatus 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 is configured toreceive and retain a plurality of removable modular target blocks 135.The modular target blocks 135 may be removably coupled to the frame 110in a variety of ways. In FIG. 1, the modular target blocks 135 arecoupled together in rows to form groups 130. Each row is removable fromthe frame 110 and can be stacked on top of each other to form an arrayof modular target blocks 135. Each group 130 may be retained in theframe by use of tabs 120.

In FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes three tabs 120 located on a firstside of the front of the frame 110 and three tabs 120 located on asecond side of the front of the frame 110. As depicted, the two uppertabs 120, one on each side of the frame 110, are shown in a closedposition so as to not allow the upper group 130 of modular target blocks135 to be removed, in a rear-to-front direction, from the frame 110.Similarly, the two lower tabs 120, one on each side of the frame 110,are shown in a closed position so as to not allow the lower group 130 ofmodular target blocks 135 to be removed, in a rear-to-front direction,from the frame 110. The two middle tabs 120, however, are shown in anopen position so as to allow the middle group 130 to be removed, in therear-to-front direction, from the frame 110. The rear-to-front directionis the opposite of the throwing direction of the sharp implements at thetarget of the apparatus 100. In this manner, when closed, the tabs 120prevent the modular target blocks 135 from being removed as a sharpimplement penetrating the target is removed from the target.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment with a single tab 120 on each side ofthe frame 110. In such an embodiment, all the groups 130 are removablewhen the tabs 120 are in an open position. The tabs 120 may be rotatable(as shown in FIG. 1), retractable, slidable, removable, or otherwiseadjustable between an open position and a closed position. In a closedposition, the modular target blocks 135 are retained in the frame 110.In an open position, the modular target blocks 135 are removable fromthe frame 110.

The modular target blocks 135 may be made of a variety of materialsincluding, but not limited to, plastic, composite materials, wood,synthetics, etc. In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 aremade of a wood that has been recently cut, which is otherwise known as“green” wood. The use of “green” wood as the material form the modulartarget blocks 135 allows the modular target blocks 135 extends theuseful life of the modular target blocks 135 because “green” wood isless prone to cracking, breaking, and other damage compared to dried ortreated wood. As used herein, “green” wood may refer to recently cutwood, undried wood, wood with a higher moisture content than dried wood,and the like. In some examples, green wood has 100% moisture contentrelative to dried wood, which typically has 20% moisture content.

In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 are cut pieces ofwood, such as 2×4 studs or 2×6 studs cut to the same length. The cutsurface of the 2×4 studs exposes the end grain which allows for thesharp implements to penetrate and stick into the modular target blocks135. A cut 2×4 stud would have two potential target surfaces at each endof the 2×4 stud with end grains. The studs may be cut to differentlengths, short or long, depending on the size of the frame or type ofsharp implement utilized or other factors.

The modular target blocks 135 may be other sizes, including 6×6 piecesor 6×7 pieces. Various sizes may be used that allow for the modulartarget blocks 135 to be moved and interchanged with other modular targetblocks 135, thus allowing for rotation of worn modular target blocks 135to different areas of the target (and replaced by other, less worn,modular target blocks 135 of the target, after wear and tear of the wornmodular target blocks 135. Any type and size of grained wood may be usedwith the end grain exposed as the target surface. Some embodiments havespecific sizes and types of grained wood.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a front view and perspective view of agroup 130 of modular target blocks 135 are shown. The modular targetblocks 135 are manufactured or cut to a same shape and size and coupledtogether. The individual modular target blocks 135 of the group 130 arecoupled together by an adhesive (not visible). The individual modulartarget blocks 135 may be coupled together by other means including, butnot limited to, fasteners (e.g., bolts and screws), latches, joints,etc. In some embodiments, the individual modular target blocks 135 areremovably coupled to each other in groups 130. In some embodiments, theindividual modular target blocks 135 are non-removably coupled to eachother in groups 130. The group 130 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a row ofmodular target blocks 135 but other configurations of groups arecontemplated.

Referring to FIG. 4, the modular target blocks 135 may include targetsurfaces 137 that are specifically configured to serve as an exposedsurface. In some embodiments, all surfaces of the modular target blocks135 are potential target surfaces. In some embodiments, only some of thesurfaces of the modular target blocks 135 are potential target surfaces137.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a frame 110 is shown. Theframe 110 includes side panels 116, a bottom panel 112, a top panel 118,and a backing 114. The frame 110 also includes an open front. The groups130 and/or individual modular target blocks 135 can be inserted into theframe 110 as is shown in FIG. 1. Once inserted into the frame 110, themovable tabs 120 can be used to retain the groups 130 of modular targetblocks 135 within the frame. In some embodiments, the backing 114 mayinclude further features that allow the individual modular target blocks135 or groups to be retained within the frame, such as ledges orindividual receptacles.

In some embodiments, the frame 110 is coupled to a wall. In someembodiments, the frame 110 is free standing. In some embodiments, atarget may include a plurality of frames 110 placed in an array to forma larger target. The frame 110 may include features that facilitate theframe 110 to be hung or otherwise attached to a wall.

In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 rest on each othersuch that when a lower modular target block 135 is removed, the modulartarget blocks 135 above the removed modular target block 135 will slidedown. In some embodiments, the modular target blocks 135 rest or arecoupled to the frame 110, which facilitates lower modular target blocks135 to be removed without affecting the modular target blocks 135 abovethe removed modular target block 135.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of an apparatus is shown. Theapparatus 100 is a throwing target with a throwing implement 165embedded into a front target surface 137 a of the central group 130 ofmodular target blocks 135. After wear and tear of the front targetsurface 137 a, it may become needed to flip the groups 130 to exposeanother target surface of the modular target blocks 135. Referring nowto FIG. 7, the central group 130 of modular target blocks 135 has beenremoved from the frame 110 and has been flipped over to show thebackside target surface 137 b. The central group 130 of modular targetblocks 135 can now be reinserted into the frame 110 with the backsidetarget surface 137 b exposed and the front target surface 137 a adjacentthe backing 114 of the frame 110 to create a rearranged array.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of an apparatus is shown.The apparatus 100 includes an array of modular target blocks 135. Themodular target blocks 135 are not intercoupled in groups but areindividual modular target blocks 135. The modular target blocks 135 areheld together by a compression device 170, which can be a strap 150. Thestrap 150 is wrapped around the outermost perimeter of the array ofmodular target blocks 135. The strap 150 compresses the modular targetblocks 135 together. Various types of compression devices 170, otherthan straps, are contemplated, including, cords, cables, clamps, vises,or other similar implements, that can compress an array of modulartarget blocks 135. The compression device 170 may be configured orarranged to compress the array of modular target blocks 135circumferentially about the entirety of the array (e.g., parallel to thetarget) or circumferentially about only a single column or row of moduletarget blocks 135 (e.g., perpendicular to the target).

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include more than onecompression device 170. As opposed to the single strap 150 illustratedin FIG. 8, the apparatus 100 may include, for example, two compressiondevices 170 each comprising a strap 150 with one strap 150 locatedcloser to an exposed or target surface and the other strap 150 furtheraway from the target surface in a direction perpendicular to the targetsurface. In some embodiments, the compression devices 170 compress abouta single axis or multiple axes. For example, according to an example, afirst compression device 170 may be configured to compress the array ofmodular target blocks 135 about an axis perpendicular to the targetsurface while a second compression device may be configured to compressthe array of modular target blocks 135 about an axis parallel to thetarget surface. Such a configuration may be accomplished by a parallelclamp or other type of clamp or vise or directional compression device.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a front view of an apparatus 100, according tosome examples, is shown. The apparatus 100 includes an array of modulartarget blocks 135. The apparatus 100 includes a four-by-four array ofrectangular shaped modular target blocks 135. Various views of theapparatus 100 and the compression device 170 are shown in FIGS. 10-14.The compression device 170 includes a strap 150, a ratchet 160, andengagement pieces 152, 154. Although the compression device 170 is shownand described with certain components and functionality, otherembodiments of the compression device may include fewer or morecomponents to provide less or more functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, the compression device 170 includes astrap 150 that wraps circumferentially around the array of modulartarget blocks 135. The strap 150 directly interfaces with fourlongitudinal engagement pieces 152 of the compression device 170, withat least one longitudinal engagement piece 152 on each side of thearray. Each longitudinal engagement piece 152 extends longitudinally ina manner like that of the modular target blocks 135. Each longitudinalengagement piece 152 directly interfaces with two transverse engagementpieces 154 of the compression device 170 that extend transversely to themodular target blocks 135. The transverse engagement pieces 154 directlyinterface with an entire row or column of modular target blocks 135 onthe side of the array on which the particular transverse engagementpieces are located. The compression device 170 further includes aratchet 160 which can tighten the strap 150 and thus engage thelongitudinal engagement pieces 152 to compress the array of modulartarget blocks 135 together. The engagement pieces 152, 154 helps touniformly distribute the load to the modular target blocks 135, whichreduces pressure concentrations on the modular target blocks 135 thatcan induce localized deformation of the modular target blocks 135. Morespecifically, pressure from the strap 150 is distributed to thelongitudinal engagement pieces 152, pressure from each longitudinalengagement piece 152 is distributed to the corresponding transverseengagement piece 154, and pressure from each transverse engagement piece154 is distributed to a row or column of modular target blocks 135.

The individual modular target blocks 135 can be removed, replaced,rotated, and or otherwise cycled through. Referring to FIG. 12, a few ofthe modular target blocks 135 have been removed after loosening thecompression device 170. Those modular target blocks 135 can be replacedwith newer modular target blocks 135 (which can be target blocks 135 newto the target or other target blocks 135 of the same target), to form arearranged array, after which the compression device 170 may bere-engaged. Referring to FIG. 13, in some examples, the compressiondevice 170 includes a ratchet 160 configured to tighten the strap 150.However, in other examples, other devices may be utilized to tighten thestrap 150, such as a cinch, clamp, or other similar tightening device.

In some examples, the compression device 170 helps keep the modulartarget blocks 135 together during use, which maintains the overall shapeof the target. The compression device 170 can further be configured toallow tightening of the apparatus 100 during or after use. After manythrows of an axe or other sharp implement, the modular target blocks 135may have splits or missing chunks which allows for the loosening of thecompression device 170 relative to the modular target blocks 135. Thecompression device 170 can be ratcheted down to further tighten thearray and allow for continued use of the modular target blocks 135.Moreover, the modular target blocks 135, if allowed to expand, are moreprone to drying out over time, which can lead to cracking anddeterioration of the modular target blocks 135. Compressing the modulartarget blocks 135 with the compression device 170 helps to preventexpansion of the modular target blocks 135, which facilitates retentionof moisture in the modular target blocks 135 (particularly then made ofgreen wood), thus delaying moisture dissipation from or drying of themodular target blocks 135 (in cases where the modular target blocks 135are made of an organic material, such as wood).

Referring now to FIG. 15, a perspective view of an embodiment of athrowing target apparatus 100, in a partially disassembled state with amodular target block removed, is shown. The apparatus 100 includes aplurality of modular target blocks 135. In the illustrated example, theapparatus 100 includes five modular target blocks 135 each having arectangular cross-sectional shape along a plane parallel to a length ofthe blocks. However, in other examples, the apparatus 100 includes feweror more than five modular target blocks 135. Various views of theapparatus 100 are shown in FIGS. 16-20. Although the apparatus is shownand described with certain components and functionality, otherembodiments of the apparatus may include fewer or more components toprovide less or more functionality.

The rectangular shaped modular target blocks 135 are elongated in alengthwise direction, oriented vertically (e.g., with a length parallelto a vertical direction), and extend from the bottom of the frame 110 tothe top of the frame 110. The modular target blocks 135 are orientedwith the end grain at the top and bottom. In the illustrated embodiment,the exposed surface or target surface of the modular target blocks 135have exposed long grains. Accordingly, the target surfaces of themodular target blocks 135 of FIG. 15 can be considered long-grainsurfaces. That is, the wood grain extends vertically in generally thesame direction as the length of the modular target blocks 135. In otherembodiments, the modular target blocks 135 may be oriented horizontallyand may extend from side to side of the frame 110.

The individual modular target blocks 135 can be removed, replaced,rotated, and or otherwise cycled through in a manner like that describedabove. Referring to FIG. 15, a modular target block 135 has been removedand exposes the backing 114. The backing 114 is positioned at the topand bottom of the frame 110 such that the backing 114 abuts the modulartarget blocks 135 at both ends of the modular target blocks 135. Thereis a gap between the top and bottom backing 114. In other embodiments,the backing 114 may be one solid piece that extends all the way from thetop to the bottom of the frame 110.

Referring to FIG. 16, the modular target blocks 135 are being replacedwith newer modular target blocks 135, after which compression from acompression device 170 may be re-engaged. Referring to FIG. 17, a frontview of a throwing target apparatus 100 is shown according to one ormore embodiments. The apparatus 100 includes seven modular target blocks135 oriented vertically and extending from a bottom to a top of theframe 110.

The modular target blocks 135 are compressed in the apparatus 100 by acompression device 170. The compression device 170 pushes on engagementpiece 154 which distributes the force along an entirety of the rightmostmodular target block 135. The modular target blocks 135 are compressedtogether to provide a stable target that can withstand impact blows formthe sharp implements. The compression device 170 helps keep the modulartarget blocks 135 together and maintains the overall shape of thetarget. The compression device 170 can further be configured to allowtightening of the apparatus 100 during or after use.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the compression devices 170 are shownaccording to one or more embodiments. The compression device 170includes a bolt 172 which can be tightened or loosened by screwing orunscrewing the bolt 172 which engages with the frame 110 (see FIG. 20).The compression device 170 includes a washer 174 at an end of the bolt172 which pushes on engagement piece 154. As shown in FIG. 19, theapparatus 100 may include more than one compression device 170 whicheach may engage the engagement piece 154. The engagement piece 154distributes the force from the compression device 170 along the lengthof the modular target blocks 135 to provide a more evenly distributedload. Although the compression device 170 is shown and described withcertain components and functionality, other embodiments of thecompression device 170 may include fewer or more components to provideless or more functionality. Although the compression is shown in onlyone direction in the illustrated embodiment, the compression device 170may provide compression in other direction similar to thecircumferential compression of other embodiments.

As discussed in other embodiments, the individual modular target blocks135 can be removed, replaced, rotated, and or otherwise cycled through.The modular target blocks 135 of embodiments consistent with FIGS. 15-20have four potential target surfaces and may be rotated such that eachsurface exposing the long grain may be used in the apparatus 100,allowing for longer use of the modular target blocks 135 beforereplacement is necessary.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,”“down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” andthe like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide someclarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But,these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions,and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper”surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over.Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms“including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Anenumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the itemsare mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “oneor more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is“coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling.Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in somecontact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined ascoupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, buthaving one or more additional elements between the coupled elements.Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element caninclude direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as usedherein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, oneelement can be adjacent another element without being in contact withthat element.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element,component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function isindeed capable of performing the specified function without anyalteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specifiedfunction after further modification. In other words, the system,apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected,created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for thepurpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus,structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable thesystem, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardwareto perform the specified function without further modification. Forpurposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article,element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to”perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively bedescribed as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” performthat function.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means different combinations of one or more of the listed itemsmay be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. Theitem may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “atleast one of means any combination of items or number of items may beused from the list, but not all of the items in the list may berequired. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” maymean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; oritem B and item C; or some other suitable combination. In some cases,“at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example,without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C;four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for receiving thrown sharpimplements, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of modular targetblocks arranged in an array; and a compression device configured toretain together the plurality of modular target blocks in the array. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the array of modular target blocks isat least a four-block by four-block array.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the modular target blocks are made from green wood.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the compression device comprises at leastone engagement piece that distributes a compressive load from thecompression device across multiple modular target blocks.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one engagement pieceuniformly distributes the compressive load from the compression deviceacross the multiple modular target blocks.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein: the compression device further comprises a plurality ofengagement pieces; and each one of the plurality of engagement piecesdistributes a compressive load from the compression device across adifferent set of multiple sets of multiple modular target blocks.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the compression device comprises a strapthat extends circumferentially about an outer periphery of the array ofmodular target blocks and applies a radially inwardly directed force tothe modular target blocks of the array.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the compression device comprises a plurality of fasteners inengagement with the array and adjustable to adjust a compressive forceapplied to the array.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising aframe positioned about and spaced apart from the array, wherein theplurality of fasteners extend at least partially through the frame intoengagement with the array.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thearray defines a target area comprising a target surface of each one ofthe plurality of modular target blocks of the array; each one of theplurality of modular target blocks comprises multiple target surfaces;and each one of the plurality of modular target blocks is reversiblyarrangeable in the array such that any one of the multiple targetsurfaces of each one of the plurality of modular target blocks defines aportion of the target area of the array.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein each one of the plurality of modular target blocks isindividually rotatable relative to another one of the plurality ofmodular target blocks to select any one of the multiple target surfacesof the modular target blocks to define the portion of the target area ofthe array.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each one of theplurality of modular target blocks of the array is individuallyremovable from the array relative to another one of the plurality ofmodular target blocks.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each oneof the plurality of modular target blocks comprises a long-grainsurface; and the long-grain surface of each one of the plurality ofmodular target blocks defines a portion of a target area of the array.14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each one of the plurality ofmodular target blocks comprises four long-grain surfaces.
 15. Anapparatus for receiving thrown sharp implements, the apparatuscomprising: a frame with an open front, a backing, and movable tabs atthe open front; and a plurality of groups of modular target blocksremovably coupled to the frame and removably retained within the frameby the backing and the movable tabs, wherein each one of the modulartarget blocks of any one of the plurality of groups of modular targetblocks is fixedly coupled to at least one other modular target block ofthe one group.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the modular targetblocks are made from green wood.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, whereineach one of the plurality of groups of modular target blocks isindividually removable from the frame relative to any other one of theplurality of groups of modular target blocks.
 18. The apparatus of claim15, wherein: the plurality of groups of modular target blockscollectively define a target area comprising a target surface of eachone of the modular target blocks of the plurality of groups; each one ofthe plurality of modular target blocks comprises multiple targetsurfaces; and each one of the groups of modular target blocks isreversibly arrangeable in the frame such that any one of the multipletarget surfaces of each one of the plurality of modular target blocksdefines a portion of the target area of the array.
 19. A method ofmaking an apparatus for receiving thrown sharp implements, the methodcomprising: arranging a plurality of modular target blocks into anarray; and compressing together the plurality of modular target blocksof the array.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:uncompressing the plurality of modular target blocks of the array;removing at least one of less than all of the modular target blocks fromthe array; at least one of: rotating the at least one of the modulartarget blocks removed from the array to and arranging the rotated atleast one of the modular target blocks back into the array to form arearranged array; or replacing the at least one of the modular targetblocks removed from the array with at least one new modular target blockto form the rearranged array; and compressing together the plurality ofmodular target blocks of the rearranged array.